Final report issued in Nov. 5 fire death

In this Nov. 6, 2012 file photo, Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters and Marion County sheriff's officials stand by in the early morning at the scene of a fatal mobile home in Anthony. A report finds the fire was accidental and started near the stove.

Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 3:33 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 3:45 p.m.

OCALA – Marion County Sheriff's Office detectives have concluded their report on a mobile home fire late last year in which a 31-year-old Anthony man died.

Detective Erik Dice's report notes that the medical examiner's office determined Carlos Blanch's death was due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke and soot inhalation from the fire, which occurred Nov. 5 at 2469 NE 86th Lane.

The Medical Examiner's report noted the manner of death was accidental.

An investigator from the State Fire Marshals office told the detective that samples collected and tested by their office were negative and not suspicious in nature. Evidence led them to believe the fire originated in the kitchen or near the stove.

Dice noted there were no obvious signs of trauma or suspicious injuries to Blanch's body that would be unrelated to the fire.

County firefighters discovered his body as they were extinguishing the flames.

Blanch's girlfriend told Dice that Blanch had been drinking and she had left their home to visit a relative. She said as she returned, she saw a commotion and someone told her the house was on fire. She said she looked for Blanch but could not find him.

Roderick Rhem, who said he had been drinking with Blanch, told Dice that Blanch had a pot of boiling water on the stove and that when he left, his friend was sitting on the couch.

<p>OCALA – Marion County Sheriff's Office detectives have concluded their report on a mobile home fire late last year in which a 31-year-old Anthony man died.</p><p>Detective Erik Dice's report notes that the medical examiner's office determined Carlos Blanch's death was due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke and soot inhalation from the fire, which occurred Nov. 5 at 2469 NE 86th Lane.</p><p>The Medical Examiner's report noted the manner of death was accidental.</p><p>An investigator from the State Fire Marshals office told the detective that samples collected and tested by their office were negative and not suspicious in nature. Evidence led them to believe the fire originated in the kitchen or near the stove.</p><p>Dice noted there were no obvious signs of trauma or suspicious injuries to Blanch's body that would be unrelated to the fire.</p><p>County firefighters discovered his body as they were extinguishing the flames.</p><p>Blanch's girlfriend told Dice that Blanch had been drinking and she had left their home to visit a relative. She said as she returned, she saw a commotion and someone told her the house was on fire. She said she looked for Blanch but could not find him.</p><p>Roderick Rhem, who said he had been drinking with Blanch, told Dice that Blanch had a pot of boiling water on the stove and that when he left, his friend was sitting on the couch.</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.</i></p>